All about the smart sensor; An essential tool for the modern future

A smart sensor can be found in various electronic devices and gadgets. However, the question is, do we really need smart sensors? Does today’s living conditions require us to use smart sensors to control some electronic devices? In this article, while answering these questions, we are going to introduce completely smart sensors of different types.

Application of smart sensor

To have a smart home, electronic devices and gadgets need to be equipped with smart sensors. Some smart sensors help you to avoid unwanted events like fire. However, before explaining what smart sensors do, let’s first talk about exactly what a smart sensor means.

A smart sensor is a device that has at least one transducer to receive and collect information from the physical environment in order to perform pre-programmed functions based on this information. A smart sensor can also be connected to the global Internet network.

The features of a standard smart sensor include self-recognition, digital sensor data, intelligent self-adjustment, multiple measurement capacity, and remote configuration capability.

How does the smart sensor work?

Smart sensors create calculable electrical signals by receiving information from the physical environment and changing physical parameters such as speed, temperature and pressure. These sensors also include a Digital Motion Processor (DMP) for short. In fact, DMP can be called a type of microprocessor that allows the sensor to perform the relevant processes on its board accurately. Smart sensors have four main functions: measurement, configuration, verification and communication.

“Measurement” is actually the identification of physical signals and their change to electrical signals. Therefore, measurements can be attributed to components such as temperature, traffic and industrial applications. “Configuration” is an important feature that helps the smart sensor to detect situations. On the other hand, the “confirmation” component has different uses. This element can have the authority of a supervisor in carrying out the processes so that the circuits and commands are executed correctly. Finally, the “communication” feature allows the sensor to communicate with the host microcontroller/microprocessor.

Smart sensor diagram

The whole concept of a smart sensor can be explained in a diagram. As you can see in the diagram below, different units can be defined for each block, each of which must perform its own task.

Sensor unit

This unit detects changes in physical parameters and produces electrical signals according to these values.

Air conditioning unit

The conditioning unit adapts the relevant electrical signal to the level of the next stage operations in such a way that information is not lost in the meantime.

Analog to digital converter

Analog to digital converter or ADC for short converts the relevant signal from analog to digital format and then sends it to the microprocessor.

Local user interface

The local user interface, known as LUI, is a special device that must be connected to the smart sensor panel. This component helps the user to control the running processes as well as monitor the system equipment.

Program algorithm

So far we have noticed that certain signals are obtained by the physical components inside the smart sensors. This group of messages must be somehow processed inside the smart sensor to obtain output signals. This important process is carried out by the following elements:

Memory

As it is clear from the name of this section, memory is a place for storing information and processed information.

Communication unit

Output signals from the program algorithm or microprocessor are transmitted to the master station through the communication unit. This unit also receives the prerequisite of specific commands from the master station to perform specific tasks.

All kinds of smart sensors

Different types of smart sensors are available in the market. In the following, we briefly introduce some common models.

Level Sensors

The design sensor is a smart device model that is used to monitor and control the size of the liquid level. Whenever the liquid level is sensed, this sensor converts the relevant information into electrical signals.

Level sensors are classified into two categories: point and continuous. A point level sensor is used to determine if the liquid has reached a precise point in the container; While continuous type sensors are used to provide accurate measurements for liquid levels. These sensors are mainly used in various industries such as car manufacturing as well as household equipment production.

Temperature Sensors

Temperature sensors, as the name suggests, are used to measure temperatures such as the temperature of liquid, air or even the temperature of a solid substance. These sensors are available in different types. This variety is based on the materials used in each sensor. Temperature sensors are used to make medical devices, computers, cars, cookware, and more.

Pressure Sensors

A pressure sensor is a transducer model that can convert mechanical pressure into electrical signals. Similar to other sensors, this sensor model has different types. This variety is defined based on capacity, size, sensor technology, measurement method and output signal requirements. These sensors play a key role in controlling the production line, and in case of leakage of various materials in this area, they sound the alarm so that the production line can be repaired or at least the production line can be stopped until the problem is found.

Infrared Sensors

An infrared sensor is an electronic device model that can detect some objects in the environment by emitting a light. The same technology is also used to measure the heat of objects or detect movement. All objects generally release heat from themselves, which will be visible in the spectrum of infrared light waves. This spectrum can be easily detected by infrared sensors.

Infrared sensors consist of a transmitter such as an infrared LED and a receiver called an infrared photodiode. To transmit infrared waves, three types of media are used, such as vacuum, atmospheric and optical fibers. These sensors are used in making night vision devices, radiation thermometers, infrared observation and imaging, etc.

Proximity Sensors

A smart sensor such as a proximity sensor is used to be aware of the proximity of objects in the surrounding environment without communicating directly with them. These sensors are often used in collision avoidance systems and object collision warnings. These sensors use light, sound, infrared radiation and even electromagnetic fields to know the location of objects. Proximity sensors are widely used in the robotics industry today. Also, the rear body of quality cars is equipped with proximity sensors so that drivers can park the car more easily.

Air Quality Detection Sensors

Air quality detection sensors are electronic devices that monitor and identify air pollution. Therefore, these sensors can be used to measure air quality in closed and even open-ended environments. Air quality sensors are capable of measuring carbon dioxide (CO2) gas concentrations as well as VOCs (volatile organic compounds) which include methane and ammonia as gases.

Motion Sensors

Motion sensors are electronic devices that are used to detect movement inside an environment or even outdoors. Motion sensors are usually equipped with an alarm. For example, this sensor can turn on the lights in the room as soon as it detects your movement in the house.

In another scenario, if a burglar enters the home, an alert message is quickly sent to the first police station near the home. These sensors are used for security applications in homes and offices. Today, motion sensors are used in the construction of home consoles, virtual reality systems, smartphones and other smart gadgets.

Smart Plant Sensors

The plant sensor is actually an advanced horticultural sensor model that collects specific information from different parts of plants in the environment for the user. This information helps the gardeners to prepare the materials needed to feed the plants faster than the scheduled time.

Smart gardening sensors are extremely easy to use. All the gardener has to do is place the sensor in the soil near the plants. After doing this, the corresponding sensor automatically measures the humidity, light intensity and even temperature. Even in advanced gardening sensors, there is a mobile messaging system model so that the user can check the various components remotely.

Smart Climate Sensors

Smart weather sensors are used to collect climatic information such as barometric pressure, temperature and humidity. These sensors are very useful for assessing the near future climate. These types of sensors help you to plan your future days properly.

These types of smart sensors are usually connected to the smartphone and weather changes can be continuously monitored. Smart climate sensors can be considered as a necessary tool for gardening and agriculture.

Pros and cons between smart and conventional sensors

The advantages and benefits of smart sensors are as follows:

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• They are small in size.
• Using the sensors is very simple and easy.
• The efficiency level of this sensor model is very high.
• Communication speed is considered higher due to direct conversion with the processor.
• Self-adjustment capabilities are usually present in these types of sensors.
• These sensors can detect various defects such as indoor pollution.
• These sensors easily optimize production processes that need to be changed.
• These tools can store a lot of system information.

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The disadvantages of smart sensors are as follows:

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• Smart sensors seem reliable as long as they are healthy. By destroying some components of the sensors, as well as stealing the sensors, it can have bad consequences for the owner of the sensors.
• Smart sensors definitely need a stimulus to work. If there is no stimulus, there will be no result.
• The adjustment or calibration of the device must be done by an external processor.
• Due to the complexity of the sensors and the rarity of the equipment used in advanced sensors, the cost of buying smart sensors is not affordable for everyone.

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The future is in your hands

Buying devices that are equipped with various smart sensors can lead to an extremely enjoyable experience for you. However, the cost of sensors varies based on quality and brand. Currently, the most common and well-known smart sensors available in society can be considered as motion and proximity sensors. As explained in this article, motion sensors are sold in different types.

With all these interpretations, in this article, first, the concept of smart sensors is explained in simple language, and then the types and types of sensors are briefly introduced. Sooner or later in the future we will face more advanced electronic devices and gadgets that are equipped with these types of sensors. In a word, the modern future will happen sooner than you think!

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